About The Cancer Support Foundation

The Cancer Support Foundation is nonprofit, 501 (c) 3 charitable organization founded in 1981 by a group of health care professionals and community leaders. The original name was Hospice Foundation of Los Alamitos General Hospital. Because the term "hospice" is primarily associated with the care of terminally ill patients, the name was changed to The Cancer Support Foundation of Los Alamitos Medical Center in 1988. This name change reflected a desire to serve the needs of all cancer patients and their families in the community, whether newly diagnosed or ending treatment.

In 1997, The Cancer Support Foundation transformed itself from a hospital-based to a community-based, self-supporting agency, while continuing to provide high quality services to cancer patients in the community.

Through the hard work and dedication of our wonderful staff and volunteers we have continued to expand our service area and programs, assisting over 9,000 cancer patients and their families. Some of the services offered by The Cancer Support Foundation include:

Breast Cancer Support Group: Meets twice a month at Los Alamitos Medical Center, providing a safe haven for women in all stages of treatment to share their feelings. The facilitator of this group is a RN and a survivor of Breast Cancer. Started 1985.

Bereavement Group for Widows & Widowers: This eight week group is held three times per year. The facilitators are a licensed therapist and a CSF staff member who is a widow. Started 1996.

Hospital Visitors: Trained volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors, visit cancer patients in the hospital 4 times per week to offer information, emotional support, and resource information. Started 1981

Transportation: CSF Volunteers provide transportation to physician appointments and treatments. Patients are picked up at home, taken to treatment and brought back home. Volunteers will stay with the patient to help ease fears and offer support. Started 1981.

Practical Assistance: The Cancer Support Foundation will provide financial assistance such as grocery scrip and gas cards. Started 2000.

Resource Information: The Cancer Support Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 P.M.

The Cancer Support Foundation is entirely self-supporting, raising money through fund raisers, grants and community donations. All donated funds stay right here in our community and all of the services provided are free of charge.